    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 16, 2004]
    [Pages 2975-2976]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Nomination of Condoleezza Rice To Be Secretary of State and the Appointment of
    Stephen J. Hadley as National Security
    Adviser
    November 16, 2004

        The President. Good afternoon. I'm pleased to announce my nomination
    of Dr. Condoleezza Rice to be America's Secretary of State. Condi Rice
    is already known to all Americans and to much of the world.
        During the last 4 years, I've relied on her counsel, benefited from
    her great experience, and appreciated her sound and steady judgment. And
    now I'm honored that she has agreed to serve in my Cabinet. The
    Secretary of State is America's face to the world. And in Dr. Rice, the
    world will see the strength, the grace, and the decency of our country.
        Both Condi and I have been proud to serve with our friend Secretary
    of State Colin Powell. He has been one of
    the most effective and admired diplomats in America's history. Secretary
    Powell has helped to rally the world in a global war. He's helped to
    resolve dangerous regional conflicts. He's helped to confront the
    desperate challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease. He has been
    tireless and selfless and principled, and our entire Nation is grateful
    for his lifetime of service.
        I'm also grateful that Steve Hadley has agreed to become my new
    National Security Adviser. Steve served Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Bush before
    me, and he has done a superb job as Dr. Rice's deputy during these past
    4 years. Steve is a man of wisdom and good judgment. He has earned my
    trust, and I look forward to his continued vital service on my national
    security team.
        When confirmed by the Senate, Condoleezza Rice will take office at a
    critical time for our country. We're a nation at war. We're leading a
    large coalition against a determined enemy. We're putting in place new
    structures and institutions to confront outlaw regimes, to oppose
    proliferation of dangerous weapons and materials, and to break up terror
    networks.
        The United States has undertaken a great calling of history to aid
    the forces of reform and freedom in the broader Middle East

    [[Page 2976]]

    so that that region can grow in hope instead of growing in anger. We're
    pursuing a positive new direction to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict,
    an approach that honors the peaceful aspirations of the Palestinian
    people through a democratic state and an approach that will ensure the
    security of our good friend Israel.
        Meeting all of these objectives will require wise and skillful
    leadership at the Department of State, and Condi Rice is the right
    person for that challenge. She's a recognized expert in international
    affairs, a distinguished teacher and academic leader, and a public
    servant with years of White House experience. She displays a commitment
    to excellence in every aspect of her life, from shaping our strategy in
    the war on terror to coordinating national security policy across the
    Government to performing classical music on stage. Above all, Dr. Rice
    has a deep, abiding belief in the value and power of liberty, because
    she has seen freedom denied and freedom reborn.
        As a girl in the segregated South, Dr. Rice saw the promise of
    America violated by racial discrimination and by the violence that comes
    from hate. But she was taught by her mother, Angelena, and her father,
    the Reverend John Rice, that human dignity is the gift of God and that
    the ideals of America would overcome oppression. That early wisdom has
    guided her through life, and that truth has guided our Nation to a
    better day.
        I know that the Reverend and Mrs. Rice would be filled with pride to
    see the daughter they raised in Birmingham, Alabama, chosen for the
    office first held by Thomas Jefferson. Something tells me, however, they
    would not be surprised. [Laughter]
        As many of you know, Condi's true ambition is beyond my power to
    grant. [Laughter] She would really like to be the commissioner of the
    National Football League. I'm glad she's put those plans on hold once
    again. The Nation needs her. I urge the Senate to promptly confirm
    Condoleezza Rice as America's 66th Secretary of State.
        Congratulations.

    [At this point, Secretary-designate Rice made brief remarks.]

        The President. Good job. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:33 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-designate Rice.